Neuroplasticity: Exercises to Improve Cognitive Flexibility, Conquer Trauma and PTSD, Change Bad Habits, Eliminate Depression and So Much More! Ask yourself if there are other ways you can interpret a situation. Research shows that introducing so-called “desirable difficulties” can lead to deeper learning, so by making a point of not always choosing the easiest way of doing things, you can keep your mind sharp and even learn through your everyday experiences. Learning new skills promotes mental flexibility. I found more articles on cognitive flexibility skills than I expected. For the study, researchers recruited 91 adults and assigned them different levels of aerobic exercise at a wellness center. Start. The main finding of the current study is that cognitive flexibility, but neither working nor short-term memory domains of cognitive function, improved after interval training program of 7 weeks. Except as permitted by the applicable copyright law, you may not reproduce or communicate any content from this website, including any files downloadable from this website, without the permission of Open Colleges. 1. A study by Dr. Robert Steinberg revealed that students benefit from being taught creatively. People who are “flexible” are able to: see different perspectives. 1. Try the tests yourself using the color model above (or link) or the following site … Flanker tests and word-color tests useful tools to test and possibly train cognitive flexibility. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Instead of … Omega-3, Fatty Acids builds and repair brain cells. Michelle Liew is a professional writer and teacher with over 20 years of experience. © Learning Mind 2012-2021 | All Rights Reserved |, How to Improve Your Cognitive Flexibility with 10 Science-Backed Tips, Why Are We as Lonely and Depressed as Never Before? The gene, KCND2, codes for a protein that regulates potassium channels, which control electrical signals that travel along neurons. 10 Signs of a Spoiled Child: Are You Overindulging Your Kid? This might mean travelling to another country or volunteering in a new industry, but it could also take the form of activities like learning a new language or musical instrument, taking a dance class, or even exploring a part of town you’re not familiar with. How to Raise an Introverted Teenager: 10 Tips for Parents. In contrast, people who are “ rigid ” see things as absolute. One of the best ways to become more cognitively flexible is to expose yourself to new experiences and ways of doing things, but if you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas. I do take medication and learned a lot from my experience. https://t.co/HKAKLdIfHz https://t.co/mu3D57f1qg, Women In Leadership: What's the Status? © Open Colleges 2020-2026. Learning a new language or playing a new instrument helps as well. For evolutionary reasons, the body is primed to learn while exercising. Cognitive flexibility is crucial when it comes to creating a successful collaborative environment. So whether you’re a student or working professional, building your cognitive flexibility is a great way to develop professionally and keep up with the ever changing work environment of the future. Meeting new people allows you to embrace new perspectives and become flexible in your thinking. Here are some practical tips: Live healthily ‘Exercise, diet and sleep – many of the obvious healthy living options improve cognitive flexibility,’ says Smith. Learn how to improve this critical skill. Actively challenge these distorted thought patterns. I tell you this only because I have experienced what you wrote in your article personally and I agree with you. Don’t you wish that your brain could toggle two ideas at once? thank so much, very helpful Great article and ‘life hack’ tips, Marianne. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered in mice what they believe is the first known genetic mutation to improve cognitive flexibility–the ability to adapt to changing situations. I know what you recommend helped me. I chose to practice metacognition because cognitive flexibility is the ability to switch between tasks efficiently, and I thought that if I paid attention to what I was thinking, then I would be able to switch between tasks while having less distractions cluttering my brain. You’ll also be able to think of other things throughout the day, which gives it more flexibility than before. One of the best ways to build flexible cognition is to make it a point to think unconventionally. What I mean is if you want to be better at socializing you have to go out meet different people. Some children may be able to perform complex mathematical calculations in school but had problems when doing so in real-world situations. can you link the study that states”Research shows that introducing so-called “desirable difficulties”. Cognitive flexibility should make your brain amenable to different ways of thinking, and not stress it. Change Your Diet It has been noted that the ACG has many “serotonergic” fibers and that people who tend to be rigid in their thinking or behavior may have a deficit of serotonin. Learning Mind does not provide medical, psychological, or any other type of professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cognitive flexibility should make your brain amenable to different ways of thinking, and not stress it. In all, you can achieve cognitive flexibility and divergent thinking if you practice the things described above on a regular basis. If you’re looking for a simple way to start building your cognitive flexibility, you can start by changing up your routine and doing everyday things differently. It requires letting go of limiting beliefs and embracing possibilities. It also allows you to learn through experience. You’ll form the links between knowledge networks and think creatively. 8. Doing this will also help you to identify false assumptions. Mental flexibility is really about adaptability and our ability to shift our thoughts between the abstract and specific in order to respond effectively to any given situation, Koutstaal says. Great article! Introduction: Impulse Interrupted: Four Simple Steps to Improve Cognitive Flexibility. The children who participated in one study showed that flexible thinking enabled them to develop to their full potential. Develop awareness for commonly held biases and thinking styles that promote stereotypes and unhealthy generalizations. [Winship, Adrian] on Amazon.com. We help educators stay up to date with the latest in EdTech and beyond with thought leadership in online vocational education. Foods that improve Cognitive Ability Healthy food makes the brain healthy. Exercise also enhances focus and lowers anxiety. According to a 2016 report from the World Economic Forum that looked at the future of jobs across nine different industries in 15 of the world’s largest economies, employers will soon be placing more emphasis on cognitive abilities like creativity and adaptability. Imagine if there is only one way to complete a task, and it is a roundabout method. The unique anatomy and chemistry of this transitional state comprises increased dopamine receptors and accelerated neuroplasticity. Experts say that relieving your brain of your worries frees up space in it to consider the solutions to problems. Divergent thinking usually occurs in a spontaneous and free-flowing manner and involves thinking in terms of unlimited possibilities rather than a limited set of choices. Cognitive flexibility is often weak in children with ADHD, making it harder for them to adapt to change. Making life easier for ourselves, however, isn’t always the best way to build cognitive flexibility. defined as the ability to switch one’s thinking (cognition) (or train of thought) as an adaptation to the demands of stimuli As you become cognitively flexible, you will switch your perspectives with speed. Although I like diversity, I was unable to find any appropriate SlideShare presentations … People envy us if we have cognitive flexibility. Go to work via a different route. Improving nutrition, exercise and working on thought stopping/reframing can help improve cognitive flexibility. For instance, if you’re driving to an area you’re not familiar with, try to navigate your way using a map and asking for directions rather than using your GPS, or instead of reaching for your phone the minute you need to make a calculation, grab a pen and paper, and do it the old-fashioned way. These days we have technology and apps that make our lives easier in countless ways, from spell check and autocorrect to GPS. Go to work via a different route. Of course, travel is one way to challenge your way of thinking, but even just reading about moral dilemmas and thinking about them critically can help you develop in this area. This was really helpful…highly informative, Fantastic ideas. When you experience anything out of the ordinary, the synapses in your brain make new connections. R ules, regulations, expectations, and plans are expected to … A simple way to develop flexible thinking is to do ordinary, routine things in new ways. Learn new skills. If you usually get your exercise at the gym, change things up by running in the park or going for a bike ride. Go to work via a different route. Vocational Education vs Short Courses: Which Path Should You Take? Do things the old-fashioned way. Check out this article for tips on how to inspire divergent thinking. Very useful for professionals… though we know it…. 2. Cognitive flexibility is essential for many reasons, especially as we get on in years. 1. The strategy I chose to use to improve my cognitive flexibility was practicing using metacognition. First of all, it’s important to be aware that rigid behaviors are often a result of your child not understanding the world around them – especially social norms, and other peoples’ intentions and perspectives. However, making a simple change to your routine will actually build and strengthen neural pathways in your brain, which in turn improves your cognitive flexibility. Thanks heaps. Besides maintaining a good mental health through the correct diet and exercise, you can increase your Cognitive Flexibility by: 1. 2003). New experiences trigger dopamine, which creates motivation. Technology has brought us much relief. Being humorous is a way to develop flexible thinking and creativity. Cognitive flexibility is among the 10 skills that professionals need to succeed in the future. Am sure, in 2-3 months I ’ d like the best way increase! Accordance with our Cookie Policy and teacher with over 20 years of.. How technology is changing the way we learn as well touch with loved ones at the,... So either by color, type, or webinars on bias and topics... And creative ways or practice divergent thinking if you usually get your at! Has proven time and again that it ’ s exciting about it a... Ll be a different shampoo instead of the hippocampus, and to of. Is only one way to build cognitive flexibility is often weak in children with ADHD making! 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